Aston University. For over two decades it has been the main manufacturing research conference organized in the U.K., successfully bringing researchers, academics and industrialists together to share their knowledge and experiences. Initiated as a National Conference by the Consortium of U.K. University Manufacturing Engineering (COMEH) it became an International Conference in 2003. COMEH is an independent body established in 1978. Its main aim is to promote manufacturing engineering education, training and research. Keynote speakers for the event include Hamid Mughal, executive vice president, manufacturing, Rolls Royce Plc.; professor Sir Mike Gregory, Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University; John Ladbrook, European simulation specialist, Ford Motor Company and Professor Jay Lee, director of the Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems, University of Cincinnati.